After years of negotiating redevelopment plans and making offers, it’s official: the city of Clarkesville now owns the historic old courthouse property on the town square.
On Tuesday morning, representatives from Habersham County and the city of Clarkesville gathered to finalize the long-anticipated real estate transaction. The meeting took place in the board room of the newly opened Traditions Bank in Clarkesville, where, according to Habersham County Vice-Chairman Bruce Harkness, the two governments were the first to conduct official business there.
Harkness signed the closing documents on behalf of the county, officially transferring the old courthouse property to the city. In exchange, Clarkesville issued a $1 million check to the county.
“That money belongs to all the citizens of the county, and it will go into the general fund to help run the business of the county,” Harkness said.
Historic event
He noted the property had been in county hands for at least 150 years, with a courthouse occupying the site for nearly all that time. “I think this is a very historic and momentous day for all involved,” he added.
Harkness expressed optimism about the future of the now-vacant building, which has stood empty for several years. “It will have a new life and help reinvigorate the downtown of Clarkesville,” he said, praising the collaboration between the county and city to complete the sale. “We’re glad that this is finally accomplished after many years of work.”
“It’s ours”
Following the closing, Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock shared her excitement: “I’m very, very pleased… it’s ours.”
City officials were uncertain until early Tuesday morning whether the closing would take place as planned, but by mid-morning, the deal was done. Once the deal was completed, Aycock texted all of the council members to give them the good news.
The city now moves forward with plans to redevelop the property, with a new fire station and potential commercial uses like a boutique hotel being considered. The structure itself is scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks.
